State releases report on mine cleanup

The Washington Department of Ecology has released a report on options for cleaning up heavy metals at the Pend Oreille Mine near Metaline Falls. Heavy metals in the mine tailings were deposited at the site from 1967 to 1975. Groundwater at one tailings facility is contaminated with manganese, while soil at the tailings piles is polluted with arsenic, cadmium, copper, leader, mercury and zinc. Groundwater from the site flows toward the Pend Oreille River. Ecology officials will accept public comments on the proposed cleanup plan through July 22.